Lowry decides to end a long and often painful season

Rockets forward Chase Budinger follows through on a dunk during the second half of the season finale against New Orleans at Toyota Center. Budinger finished with a season-high 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting to help the Rockets finished the year with a winning record.
Record: 34-32. less

April 26: Rockets 84, Hornets 77

Rockets forward Chase Budinger follows through on a dunk during the second half of the season finale against New Orleans at Toyota Center. Budinger finished with a season-high ... more

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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April 22: Heat 97, Rockets 88

Heat forward LeBron James, right, posts up Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during their game in Miami. Parsons scored a career-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, but James' game-high 32 points led the Heat to a victory that officially eliminated the Rockets from playoff contention.
Record: 33-32. less

April 22: Heat 97, Rockets 88

Heat forward LeBron James, right, posts up Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during their game in Miami. Parsons scored a career-high 23 points on 10-of-13 shooting, but James' ... more

Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images

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April 21: Rockets 99, Warriors 96

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) drives the the basket as Golden State's Jeremy Tyler defends during the third quarter. Dragic had 18 points, seven assists and three steals to help the Rockets snap a six-game losing streak.
Record: 33-31. less

April 21: Rockets 99, Warriors 96

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) drives the the basket as Golden State's Jeremy Tyler defends during the third quarter. Dragic had 18 points, seven assists and three steals to ... more

Photo: David J. Phillip / Associated Press

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April 19: Hornets 105, Rockets 99 (OT)

Hornets power forward Jason Smith, second from right, tries to pull in a loose ball as Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) falls to the court.
Record: 32-31.

April 19: Hornets 105, Rockets 99 (OT)

Hornets power forward Jason Smith, second from right, tries to pull in a loose ball as Houston Rockets center Marcus Camby (29) falls to the court.
Record: 32-31.

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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April 18: Mavericks 117, Rockets 110

The losing streak hit five as the Rockets blow a lead and allow 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Record: 32-30.

April 18: Mavericks 117, Rockets 110

The losing streak hit five as the Rockets blow a lead and allow 39 points in the fourth quarter.
Record: 32-30.

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press

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April 16: Nuggets 105, Rockets 102

Denver forward Al Harrington, left, and the Nuggets extended the Rockets' losing streak to four. Arron Afflalo led all scorers with 26 points and Goran Dragic led the Rockets with 21.
Record: 32-29. less

April 16: Nuggets 105, Rockets 102

Denver forward Al Harrington, left, and the Nuggets extended the Rockets' losing streak to four. Arron Afflalo led all scorers with 26 points and Goran Dragic led the ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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April 15: Nuggets 101, Rockets 86

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, left, drives past Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during the fourth quarter. Afflalo tied a game high with 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting to help send the Rockets to their third straight loss.
Record: 32-28.
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April 15: Nuggets 101, Rockets 86

Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo, left, drives past Rockets forward Chandler Parsons during the fourth quarter. Afflalo tied a game high with 20 points on 9-of-15 shooting to help ... more

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, tries to control ball after Jazz guard Devin Harris knocks it from him during the first quarter. Dragic led the Rockets with 19 points and seven assists, but the Jazz stalled Houston's attempt at a late rally.
Record: 32-26. less

April 11: Jazz 103, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, tries to control ball after Jazz guard Devin Harris knocks it from him during the first quarter. Dragic led the Rockets with 19 points and seven ... more

Rockets guard Courtney Lee, left, goes to the basket against Kings guard Jimmer Fredette, right, during the first quarter. Lee had game highs of 25 points and four steals as the Rockets sprinted to their third consecutive victory.
Record: 31-25. less

April 8: Rockets 104, Kings 87

Rockets guard Courtney Lee, left, goes to the basket against Kings guard Jimmer Fredette, right, during the first quarter. Lee had game highs of 25 points and four steals as the ... more

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

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April 6: Rockets 112, Lakers 107

Goran Dragic, right, had 26 points and 11 assists to help the Rockets hold off the Los Angeles Lakers on the road and win their their second straight game.
Record: 30-25.

April 6: Rockets 112, Lakers 107

Goran Dragic, right, had 26 points and 11 assists to help the Rockets hold off the Los Angeles Lakers on the road and win their their second straight game.
Record: 30-25.

Rockets' Courtney Lee reacts after making a shot against the Lakers. Record: 25-22.

March 20: Rockets 107, Lakers 104

Rockets' Courtney Lee reacts after making a shot against the Lakers. Record: 25-22.

Photo: James Nielsen / Chronicle

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March 18: Suns 99, Rockets 86

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) gets the balled stripped by Phoenix's Sebastian Telfair (31) during the second quarter. Dragic finished with 16 points, eight assists and four steals against his former team, but he wasn't able to lift the Rockets past the Suns. Record: 24-22. less

March 18: Suns 99, Rockets 86

Rockets guard Goran Dragic (3) gets the balled stripped by Phoenix's Sebastian Telfair (31) during the second quarter. Dragic finished with 16 points, eight assists and four ... more

Photo: Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

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March 17: Clippers 95, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, drives past Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half. Dragic had a career-high 14 assists to go with 11 points, but it wasn't enough to slow down Paul and the Clippers. Record: 24-21. less

March 17: Clippers 95, Rockets 91

Rockets guard Goran Dragic, left, drives past Clippers guard Chris Paul during the second half. Dragic had a career-high 14 assists to go with 11 points, but it wasn't enough ... more

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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March 14: Rockets 107, Bobcats 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) scores over Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) in the first half. Scola finished with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting as the Rockets won their second straight game. Record: 24-20. less

March 14: Rockets 107, Bobcats 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) scores over Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) in the first half. Scola finished with a game-high 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting as the Rockets ... more

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) goes to the hoop against the defense of Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) and forward Paul Pierce (34) during the first half. Scola led the Rockets with 18 points and 14 rebounds, but he couldn't stop the Rockets from dropping their fourth straight game. Record: 21-18. less

March 6: Celtics 97, Rockets 92 (OT)

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) goes to the hoop against the defense of Boston Celtics center Greg Stiemsma (54) and forward Paul Pierce (34) during the first half. Scola ... more

Photo: Elise Amendola / Associated Press

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March 4: Clippers 105, Rockets 103 (OT)

Clippers guard Chris Paul, right, tries to keep up with Rockets guard Kevin Martin during the second half. Martin led the Rockets with 25 points, but Paul scored a game-high 28 to help the Clippers capture a tight victory and send Houston to its third straight loss. Record: 21-17.
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March 4: Clippers 105, Rockets 103 (OT)

Clippers guard Chris Paul, right, tries to keep up with Rockets guard Kevin Martin during the second half. Martin led the Rockets with 25 points, but Paul scored a ... more

Kevin Martin (12) of the Houston Rockets goes for a shot between DeMar DeRozan (10) and James Johnson (2) of the Toronto Raptors.
Record: 21-14.

Feb. 28: Rockets 88, Raptors 85

Kevin Martin (12) of the Houston Rockets goes for a shot between DeMar DeRozan (10) and James Johnson (2) of the Toronto Raptors.
Record: 21-14.

Photo: George Bridges / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Feb. 22: Rockets 93, 76ers 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) works against Philadelphia 76ers center Nikola Vucevic during the first half. Scola recorded a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Rockets to their third consecutive victory. Record: 20-14. less

Feb. 22: Rockets 93, 76ers 87

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) works against Philadelphia 76ers center Nikola Vucevic during the first half. Scola recorded a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 20: Rockets 97, Grizzlies 93

Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets past Grizzlies center Marreese Speights (5) for a layup during the first quarter. Lowry finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-17 shooting to help the Rockets win their second straight game. Record: 19-14. less

Feb. 20: Rockets 97, Grizzlies 93

Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) gets past Grizzlies center Marreese Speights (5) for a layup during the first quarter. Lowry finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-17 ... more

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 19: Rockets 101, Jazz 85

Jazz forward Paul Millsap, left, is called for a blocking foul against Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry in the second half. Lowry scored a game-high 32 points and added nine assists. Record: 18-14. less

Feb. 19: Rockets 101, Jazz 85

Jazz forward Paul Millsap, left, is called for a blocking foul against Rockets point guard Kyle Lowry in the second half. Lowry scored a game-high 32 points and added nine ... more

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / For the Chronicle

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Feb. 17: Timberwolves 111, Rockets 98

Rockets guard Kevin Martin (12) drives past Minnesota's Wesley Johnson during the first half. Martin finished with 16 points but made only four of 11 shots. Record: 17-14.

Feb. 17: Timberwolves 111, Rockets 98

Rockets guard Kevin Martin (12) drives past Minnesota's Wesley Johnson during the first half. Martin finished with 16 points but made only four of 11 shots. Record: 17-14.

Grizzlies forward Marreese Speight, right, defends against Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half. Lowry recorded a game-high 24 points, but he was the only Rockets starter to score in double figures. Record: 16-13. less

Feb. 14: Grizzlies 93, Rockets 83

Grizzlies forward Marreese Speight, right, defends against Rockets guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the first half. Lowry recorded a game-high 24 points, but he was the only Rockets ... more

Photo: Alan Spearman / Associated Press

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Feb. 12: Warriors 106, Rockets 97

Golden State's Monta Ellis, center, tries to score against Rockets guard Kevin Martin, left, and center Samuel Dalembert in the first quarter. Ellis torched the Rockets' defense for a game-high 33 points on 13-of-23 shooting, adding seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. Record: 16-12. less

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) reaches for the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos during the first quarter. Scola scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting to help the Rockets hold off a late rally by the Nuggets. Record: 14-11. less

Feb. 6: Rockets 99, Nuggets 90

Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) reaches for the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos during the first quarter. Scola scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting to help ... more

Rockets guard Kevin Martin shoots a basket during the second half of Friday night's game against the Suns at Toyota Center. He finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting, helping the Rockets snap a two-game losing streak. Record: 13-10. less

Feb. 3: Rockets 99, Suns 81

Rockets guard Kevin Martin shoots a basket during the second half of Friday night's game against the Suns at Toyota Center. He finished with a game-high 16 points on 6-of-9 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Feb. 1: Spurs 99, Rockets 91

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard (2) battles Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) and center Samuel Dalembert during Wednesday night's game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Scola and Dalembert struggled against the Spurs, combining for only eight points on 4-of-12 shooting. Record: 12-10. less

Feb. 1: Spurs 99, Rockets 91

San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard (2) battles Rockets forward Luis Scola (4) and center Samuel Dalembert during Wednesday night's game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Scola and ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

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Jan. 30: Timberwolves 120, Rockets 108

Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) hustles to get to a rebound before Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) and center Samuel Dalembert (21).
Record: 12-9.

Jan. 30: Timberwolves 120, Rockets 108

Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) hustles to get to a rebound before Rockets small forward Chase Budinger (10) and center Samuel Dalembert (21).
Record: 12-9.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Chronicle

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Jan. 27: Rockets 97, Knicks 84

Forward Chase Budinger (10) scored a team-high 19 points in 24 minutes off the bench to help the Rockets win for the ninth time in 10 games. Record: 12-8.

Jan. 27: Rockets 97, Knicks 84

Forward Chase Budinger (10) scored a team-high 19 points in 24 minutes off the bench to help the Rockets win for the ninth time in 10 games. Record: 12-8.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 27: Rockets 103, Wizards 76

Rockets power forward Luis Scola goes in for a layup during Friday night's game against the Wizards at Toyota Center. Scola had 19 points and eight rebounds to help lead the Rockets to their eighth win in nine games. Record: 11-8. less

Jan. 27: Rockets 103, Wizards 76

Rockets power forward Luis Scola goes in for a layup during Friday night's game against the Wizards at Toyota Center. Scola had 19 points and eight rebounds to help lead the ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

Image 49 of 67

Jan. 25: Bucks 105, Rockets 99

Chandler Parsons, center, had 16 points and five assists but it wasn't enough to prevent the Rockets' winning streak from ending at seven games. Record: 10-8.

Jan. 25: Bucks 105, Rockets 99

Chandler Parsons, center, had 16 points and five assists but it wasn't enough to prevent the Rockets' winning streak from ending at seven games. Record: 10-8.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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Jan. 23: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 92

Rockets head coach Kevin McHale congratulates Goran Dragic, who came off the bench to score 14 points. Record: 10-7.

Jan. 23: Rockets 107, Timberwolves 92

Rockets head coach Kevin McHale congratulates Goran Dragic, who came off the bench to score 14 points. Record: 10-7.

Rookie forward Chandler Parsons (25) had a game-high 20 points, including this monstrous dunk over Bobcats forward Boris Diaw, to help the Rockets stave off an embarrassing defeat and snap a four-game losing streak. Record: 3-6. less

Jan. 10: Rockets 82, Bobcats 70

Rookie forward Chandler Parsons (25) had a game-high 20 points, including this monstrous dunk over Bobcats forward Boris Diaw, to help the Rockets stave off an embarrassing ... more

Photo: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

Image 59 of 67

Jan. 7: Thunder 98, Rockets 95

Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drained a clutch jumper with 22 seconds and nailed two late free throws to send the Rockets to their fourth straight loss. Record: 2-6.

Jan. 7: Thunder 98, Rockets 95

Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) drained a clutch jumper with 22 seconds and nailed two late free throws to send the Rockets to their fourth straight loss. Record: 2-6.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Chronicle

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Jan. 6: Thunder 109, Rockets 94

Thunder guard James Harden, top, scored 23 points off the bench to send the Rockets to their third straight defeat. Record: 2-5.

Jan. 6: Thunder 109, Rockets 94

Thunder guard James Harden, top, scored 23 points off the bench to send the Rockets to their third straight defeat. Record: 2-5.

Kobe Bryant, right, toyed with the Rockets defense, scoring a game-high 37 points on 14-of-29 shooting to lead the Lakers to a dominant victory. Record: 2-3.

Jan. 3: Lakers 108, Rockets 99

Kobe Bryant, right, toyed with the Rockets defense, scoring a game-high 37 points on 14-of-29 shooting to lead the Lakers to a dominant victory. Record: 2-3.

Photo: Jae C. Hong / AP

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Dec. 31: Rockets 95, Hawks 84

Kevin Martin, center, scored a game-high 27 points to help carry the Rockets to a solid victory at Toyota Center. Record: 2-2.

Dec. 31: Rockets 95, Hawks 84

Kevin Martin, center, scored a game-high 27 points to help carry the Rockets to a solid victory at Toyota Center. Record: 2-2.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Dec. 30: Grizzlies 113, Rockets 93

Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) roughed up the Rockets' defense for 23 points and nine rebounds to lead his squad to a victory in Memphis, Tenn. Record: 1-2.

Dec. 30: Grizzlies 113, Rockets 93

Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) roughed up the Rockets' defense for 23 points and nine rebounds to lead his squad to a victory in Memphis, Tenn. Record: 1-2.

Photo: Nikki Boertman / AP

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Dec. 29: Rockets 105, Spurs 85

Kevin Martin goes in for two of his game-high 25 points as the Rockets soared past the Spurs in their home opener. Record: 1-1.

Dec. 29: Rockets 105, Spurs 85

Kevin Martin goes in for two of his game-high 25 points as the Rockets soared past the Spurs in their home opener. Record: 1-1.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Dec. 26: Magic 104, Rockets 95

Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu, right, had a game-high 23 points to help send the Rockets to a loss in their season opener in Orlando, Fla. Record: 0-1.

Dec. 26: Magic 104, Rockets 95

Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu, right, had a game-high 23 points to help send the Rockets to a loss in their season opener in Orlando, Fla. Record: 0-1.

Photo: John Raoux / AP

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Lowry decides to end a long and often painful season

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A season that began with guard Kyle Lowry playing at an All-Star level will end with him getting ready for off-season surgery.

Lowry said Sunday he would not be able to play in the Rockets final regular-season games because of a sports hernia and the groin injury that sent him to the hospital when a bacterial infection was discovered March 8.

He missed a month with the infection, spending the first week in the hospital. He has struggled since.

“I’m shutting it down,” Lowry said. “With the injuries, I won’t be playing again this year. With the groin and the sports hernia, it’s a lot to deal with. I made a decision to shut it down.”

Lowry played just seven first-half minutes on Saturday before Rockets coach Kevin McHale stuck with Goran Dragic for the entire second half. He had Earl Boykins in position to check in but called him back to the bench.

“It’s been a long process,” Lowry said. “I haven’t been healthy since I came back. I was trying to help my team. I’ll probably need surgery after the season. I’ve had (the sports hernia) since last July. Now, I think it’s gotten worse. I played with it all year, but it got to the point it got too bad.

“If anybody has seen me play lately, it’s not who I am. It’s one of those tough processes, I tried to play with it and do what I can and not complain about it. It’s a situation I have to get it fixed and taken care of.”

Parsons battles ‘beast’ LeBron

Having faced the NBA’s top scoring wings, Rockets rookie Chandler Parsons said he found the matchup with LeBron James to be unique and brutally tough.

“He’s a beast,” Parsons said. “He’s different from anyone else. He’s so strong and he’s so big and passes the ball so well. He had 32 points, but the way he passes the ball is incredible. His size and his strength are hard to match up against.”

Shoulder keeps Martin sidelined

Rockets guard Kevin Martin said he had hoped to be able to play late in the season but that his shoulder injury would not allow it. Though he has been in uniform late in the season and available, he said he was unable to play the past three games and will not play Thursday. Martin has been out since March 11 with a strained shoulder.